2nd Annual Weko Beach Brewers Festival

Are you ready to TOAST THE COAST?  It’s no secret that Michigan is home to great breweries and picturesque beaches.  Combining the best of both worlds, the Bridgman Area Economic Growth Alliance invites you to a relaxing fall day on a pristine beach to savor award-winning Michigan craft beers that are as spectacular as its harvest sunsets.  Live music will enhance the scene as you raise your beer mug and ‘toast the coast’ on Saturday, October 1st from 3 pm to 9 pm, under a Big-Top Tent overlooking beautiful Weko Beach in Bridgman, just over an hour outside outside Chicago!    The Weko Beach Brewers Festival is a showcase...

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Bell's Brewery

Do me a favor and before you read this article, go outside to the closest place where there’s more than three strangers hanging out. Ask them if any of them have heard of Bell’s Beer. Come back into your house (or your office, or wherever you’re reading this) and report how many strangers have heard of Bell’s beer. Or just imagine you’re doing that, and make up a fake comment: this is the internet, and I won’t judge you. As you probably just found out, pretended you found out, or already knew because you’re an epic genius, pretty much everyone in Michigan knows what Bell’s Beer is. It should come as no surprise that their Two Hearted IPA...

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Nicie Spicie Beer Bread

This beer bread recipe is extreme extremely easy.  In fact, you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.  The best part is that there's absolutely no rising time required.  You just mix up all of the ingredients and then bake it.  That's it! No Nicie Spicie on hand?  Feel free to play around with any other beers you may have in the refrigerator.  This recipe will work with just about anything you might have. What you'll need... 2 cups unbleached bread flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon chili powder (next...

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Bell's Octoberfest Soup

Just two words — Ozapft is!, meaning simply, “It’s tapped!” Once spoken, the world’s most famous beer bash, the Oktoberfest, can begin.  This year, the beginning of that epic German tradition will begin on September 17, and there are many different reasons to celebrate. Some people simply appreciate the rich and storied traditions of this 177-year-old affair.  Some use it as an excuse to dress up in their finest traditional Bavarian clothing while singing Ein Prosit at the top of their lungs or competing in a friendly liter stein holding competition.  Others (most) use it as an excuse to get ragingly drunk in public and blame...

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Weekend Beer Events - September 8-11

The fall beer festival season is officially upon us, and it all starts this weekend with the UP Fall Beer Festival.  If you don't have your tickets yet, there is still time to purchase them.  This is a great opportunity to sample 164 different beers in beautiful Marquette, MI, so don't miss out! If you aren't going to the festival this Saturday, you may want to head to Bell's, because they have not one or two, but seven events going on at their Eccentric Cafe downtown and at their production facility.  If that still doesn't tickle your fancy, here are some other great events going on: Thursday, September 8: ABC Brewpub Beer...

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Weekend Beer Events - September 1-4

Many of us think of Labor Day as the traditional end of summer, which means saying goodbye to long sunny days and getting back to school or work. But don't let that get you down. At least you can send summer off with one last weekend of great Michigan events. Seth and I will be spending Labor Day over in the thumb, so unfortunately we won't see any of you out at these events, but we hope you all have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend, filled with lots of great Michigan beer! Thursday, September 1: Brew For The River – Arbor BrewingTime: 4:00 pm Cost: Proceeds will benefit the Huron River Watershed CouncilVenue: Arbor Brewing Co.Address:...

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